Method of treating fibroproliferative disorders

Abstract

Materials and methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method of reducing proliferation of cells or extracellular matrix production by cells in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to an epitope of a protein as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 19 to amino acid residue 370, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle, whereby proliferation of cells or extracellular matrix production by cells is reduced and wherein said cells express cell-surface PDGF receptors. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein proliferation of mesangial, epithelial, endothelial, smooth muscle, fibroblast, osteoblast, osteoclast, tumor, stromal, stellate, or interstitial cells is reduced. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein extracellular matrix production is reduced. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein proliferation of mesangial, epithelial, endothelial, smooth muscle, or fibroblast cells is reduced. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the antibody binds to an epitope of a protein as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 258 to amino acid residue 370.